Riley Green brought his trademark sense of humor to The Voice Season 30 Blind Auditions, pulling out his signature duck call in an attempt to win over singer BigCountry after turning his chair for the talented performer. But once the laughter subsided, Green delivered a heartfelt pitch explaining why he believed the 37-year-old singer belonged on his team.
The show’s upcoming season promises plenty of memorable performances, and a newly released audition preview offers an early look at the competition. BigCountry, who hails from Tacoma, Washington, impressed the coaches with a soulful rendition of the classic song “I Put a Spell on You,” earning a three-chair turn.
BigCountry earns three chair turns with soulful performance
BigCountry took the stage with a distinctive interpretation of the well-known song, bringing his own style and emotional depth to the performance.
Adam Levine was the first coach to turn his chair, with Queen Latifah quickly following. Riley Green listened intently, moving along to the music before deciding to press his button as well.
Meanwhile, BigCountry’s family and friends watched from backstage, visibly overwhelmed as the singer secured three chairs.
Kelly Clarkson appeared to enjoy the performance, smiling and nodding along. However, she ultimately chose not to turn her chair.
Once the song ended, Levine stood up to applaud, joining the audience and his fellow coaches in celebrating the performance.
Clarkson then looked around at the other coaches and jokingly admitted, “Now I feel like a complete moron!”
She later explained that she had been waiting for BigCountry to demonstrate another dimension of his voice, particularly a falsetto moment. Despite not turning, she made sure to praise his talent.
Riley Green’s duck call brings laughter to the stage
With three coaches competing for BigCountry, the post-performance conversation quickly turned into a playful battle of persuasion.
Levine pointed out that he had been the first to turn his chair, hoping to use his early show of confidence as an advantage.
Green, however, had a different approach.
The country singer pulled out his signature duck call, prompting laughter from the other coaches and the audience. The moment added a distinctly country touch to the competition as Green and BigCountry exchanged playful remarks.
But beneath the humor, Green was making a serious effort to persuade the singer to join his team.
Queen Latifah makes an emotional pitch
Queen Latifah also made it clear that she saw something special in BigCountry’s performance.
“You got it. You got it,” she told him, emphasizing how much she had connected with his interpretation of the song.
She explained that he had performed from the heart and made the music his own, despite the song having been covered in many different ways.
“I want to see you win this,” Latifah said, offering to coach him and help him deliver memorable performances throughout the competition.
Her heartfelt words earned applause, setting the stage for Green to make his own case.
Riley Green explains why BigCountry belongs on his team
After the laughter and friendly banter, Green put on his cowboy hat and spoke about what country music means to him.
For Green, the genre is about far more than musical style. It is about personal history, identity and the ability to tell a compelling story through a song.
“Being country is not about singing the genre of country music,” he explained. “It’s about telling a story about how you grew up, where you’re from, what you believe in.”
Green went on to tell BigCountry that those qualities could shine through regardless of whether he chose country, hip-hop, rap or soul.
He said what had drawn him to the audition was the combination of soulfulness and the kind of musical roots he associated with country music.
His pitch offered a glimpse into the artistic connection he believed they could develop, making it clear that he saw potential beyond the singer’s impressive Blind Audition.
Which team will BigCountry choose?
With Levine highlighting his early chair turn, Latifah emphasizing the emotion behind the performance and Green combining humor with a heartfelt argument, BigCountry had three coaches vying for his attention.
Clarkson, meanwhile, acknowledged that she had missed the opportunity to compete for him but still expressed enthusiasm about his future on the show.
The preview ends without revealing BigCountry’s decision, leaving viewers to discover which coach he ultimately selects.
The Voice Season 30 premieres on September 21, with a three-night premiere week beginning with the Blind Auditions. BigCountry’s performance is among the early highlights shared ahead of the new season.
“Big Country, you are one hell of a singer, man. Welcome to the show,” she told him, adding that she was excited to see what he would do next.
